Here is the easiest method for preparing roasted butternut squash. It really is worth the effort! Step 1 – Microwave the whole squash for about 1 minute. This makes it easier to cut. Step 2 – Slice squash horizontally  into […]

Easy Homemade Tomato Juice www.atavolatogether.com 2 cups Organic Plain Tomato Sauce 1  tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2  cups Organic Vegetable Stock Bring tomato sauce and Olive Oil to a low boil. Remove from heat. Stir in Vegetable Stock, let […]

I created this recipe to demonstrate at the Los Banos Tomato Festival, Saturday and Sunday, October 6 & 7. I will be a guest chef on the Main Stage twice on Sunday at 12:15 and 2:15. The Los Banos Tomato […]

Summer gardens tend to overflow this time of year with an assortment of zucchini. If you don’t have a garden or a neighbor with one…pick up a few different varieties at your local farmer’s market. These came from The Fruit […]

Riding my bike to the beach on the very busy Lungomare (seaside promenade) of my town of Marina di Massa  I was surprised to see the road partially closed.  Because of Summer time the area was already very busy and […]

Red rice is grown in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the American South. When red rice is cooked, the natural color in its hull dyes the rest of the dish red to pink. Red rice has 75% more fiber, 13% more […]

Making Lemonade is so easy! Follow these simple directions for cool refreshment for hot summer days. From Picnics to Parties you’ll  be glad you made it yourself and you’ll save money, too. 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 4 lemons […]

As a “welcome home” dinner, my sister-in-law Barbara, surprised me with one of my favorite dishes, Octopus! Octopus, a seafood similar to squid (calamari), is not a familiar food to everyone, but it is very common in our Mediterranean cuisine. We love […]

My Cherry Grower Girlfriends asked me to re-post this recipe for Cherry Focaccia. It uses fresh cherries and is delicious – warm from the oven it tastes like rich pastry with fresh cherry jam! Prepare the Focaccia dough as directed […]

Last week I tweeted about my family’s new Summer Tradition: Buonissma Salad on Wednesday Nights. Check out the recipe on page 80 of our cookbook – Cooking Dinner…and follow us on twitter: @cookingdinner for other menu ideas. Use leftover dressing […]